Functional fungus, Amyris’s secret new nutritional ingredient, bioplastics for auto applications, first-ever hydrogen powered train and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of November 22nd

#5 Eastman, NB coatings partner on bioplastics for auto applications

In Tennessee, Eastman Chemical has partnered with NB coatings to use Eastman’s Trēva biobased engineering plastic in interior automotive painted surfaces.

Trēva can meet the demanding Class A surface requirements specified by OEMs, the companies say.

“Trēva provides a biobased, sustainable alternative to polycarbonate, ABS and PC-ABS for interior automotive applications at a cost-neutral position,” said Chris Scarazzo, Eastman automotive market segment leader. “Eastman’s material innovations match what OEMs need to develop lasting parts with sustainable materials and help them achieve their goals for sustainable content and replacement of petroleum-based plastic.”

Trēva uses wood from sustainably managed forests and has biobased content of 42-46%, certified by the USDA’s BioPreferred program.

Trēva also has optical and birefringence properties that provides high clarity and superior strength and can withstand the “challenges of automotive interiors,” including high temperatures, humidity, UV, scratch/mar and general durability requirements.
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